George Moses Horton

Here you will find the Poem The Dirge of poet George Moses Horton

The Dirge

Deserted of her Spouse, she sat lamenting in the chamber. 

Hast thou gone and left me, 
Void of faults but strictly true? 
Fly far away 
Without delay, 
Adieu, my love, adieu. 

Hast thou gone and left me, 
Hence to seek another bride? 
I must be still, 
Thou hast thy will, 
The world is free and wide. 

Only hadst thou told me 
Ere I drunk the bitter cup, 
I could with shame, 
Now bear the blame, 
And freely give thee up. 

But I'm left to ponder, 
Now in the depth of sorrow's gloom; 
Like some dull sprite, 
In dead of night, 
Bewailing o'er her tomb.

Swiftly fly and welcome; 
It is the fate of fools to rove; 
With whom I know 
Wedlock is woe 
Without the stream of love. 

Where constant love is wanting, 
Pleasure has not long to dwell; 
I view my fate, 
Alas, too late! 
So partner, fare thee well. 

But, my love, remember, 
Hence we meet and face to face, 
Thy heart shall ache, 
Thy soul shall quake, 
The wretch of all disgrace.